Stories from Xenophon

Stories from Xenophon is a valuable, firsthand historical account of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), a bitter struggle between Athens and Sparta for the control of Greece. Born to a wealthy Athenian family, Xenophon joined the war in its latter stages. After Sparta's victory, Xenophon grew disenchanted with Athens and joined Cyrus on his expedition against his brother, the King of Persia. When Cyrus was killed in the Battle of Cunaxa, Xenophon suddenly became leader of the Ten Thousand Greeks in their historic march homeward through miles of enemy territory - a journey that demonstrated the possibility of defeating Persia and later paved the way for Alexander the Great. While historians have debated some of its omissions, Stories from Xenophon remains a fascinating document about democracy in crisis, civil war, and the beginning of the decline of one of the world's great cultures.Public Domain (P)1992 Recorded Books, Inc.

Essential Reading

A great way to access an essential classic without the pain. The historical notes are excellent for context and the reader reads the elegant translation beret well. Must read for the serious history buff.